Punch

Every island in the Caribbean has its own version of rum punch, usually designed to highlight the virtues of the locally produced spirit. If we were cast away on a Caribbean island, we'd like to find this cooler waiting at that little palm-shaded bar on the beach. Be sure to set out beer (Red Stripe is a nice Jamaican lager), wine and soda, too.

To serve as a drink, freeze until just slushy but not solid. Look for Angostura bitters in the liquor section of the supermarket.

Madeira is combined with Cointreau, honey and spices in a simple English-inspired hot drink for the holidays.

An old-school ice cream scoop turns out beautiful curls of melon; the pink peppercorn and bay–infused wine syrup keeps things interesting.

Here's a warming drink for a chilly day.

The following Bloody Mary recipe is based on a spicy tequila-chaser from Mexico called sangrita, which is usually made with the juices of tomatoes and oranges and sometimes other fruit. Adding to our variation's international flavor, Scandinavian aquavit takes the place of vodka or gin.

The best way to get warm and cozy after a day outdoors is with this drink, in Ireland known simply as "hot whiskey."